Seeking Advice: How Critical is Straight & Centered Drilling?

[georged]

Speaking of "calabash" I still dramatically favor the reverse calabash design because it eliminates the need to keep your stem and shank air channel in line, and any air turbulence from the shank will be dissipated in the expansion chamber.

For any hobby new guys who are wondering what he's talking about:

 

[orlandofurioso]

In da house is a large, early Bill Taylor Ashton Sovereign . The drilling deviates a little to the left of the bowl.
Pipe cleaner passes effortless. Never smoked it, so not a clue.
It is a stunning pipe and Mr. Taylor was not a teetotaler.

 

[Pipeoff]

An old Canadian pipe maker John Calich told me that in his opinion that the drill should be dead on center slightly above the bottom or a moisture problem may result, more important was the flush tenon fit to the mortice where a gap can cause a greater problem. I am not shy when making a direct purchase to check same.